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Behind The Hustle :: Natasha Wakefield, Spindrift Collections

Author: Melanie Fawcett,
Melanie Fawcett

Melanie Fawcett is the Founder and Head of Storytelling at Producer on Purpose, an educational hub and movement of mindful storytellers with a focus on empowering people and brands to share stories that matter. Mel writes and talks a lot, whether that be through video, digital content, old-fashioned books, speaking or teaching workshops that focus on forward thinking marketing meets mindful self development. Her first book #popphilosophy will be out in 2016.

This week, we delved into the fascinating world of ethical jewellery with Natasha Wakefield, of Spindrift Collections, a biz woman who has not only created her own distinctive brand of stunning wares but is about to upscale her passion to the next level in production due to high demand. We learned a bit more about what makes her tick and who and what inspires her to keep designing a future that sets her and her unique love of wearable, recycled storytelling on fire.

OC: It’s a sexy word that FEELS BIG, but what does the new breed of “entrepreneur” really mean in your world?

NW: The one word that sums up entrepreneur to me is FREEDOM, it’s the freedom to chase my dreams, the freedom to do things my way, set my own hours, my own way of doing business and ultimately that anything is possible!

OC: What’s your elevator tweet?

NW: I thoughtfully make jewellery and accessories for the dreamers, adventurers & barefoot wanderers.

OC: You open your eyes, take a deep breath, what gets you movin’ to meet the sun?

OC: WE ARE STALKING YOU {in a loving, totes not creepy way} – what will we see?

NW: I’m up early every day with a cup of peppermint tea, I love the quiet of the mornings before everyone else is awake, watching the sun come up. I normally start my day with my yoga practice or a quiet wander by the ocean. Every day is different, which is one of the things that I love about working for myself. I have the freedom to choose! My days are spent, designing, making, packaging orders, networking, photographing, hustling, writing and of course planning the big picture for the future of Spindrift!

OC: You’re a fictional character = who + why?

NW: Goodness! Erm….. I actually have no idea?!

It would be someone who is happiest, barefoot out in the great outdoors.

Maybe a female Mowgli from the jungle book! Lol!

OC: What’s the brick wall challenge you are scalin’ like a ninja right now?

NW: I have had a MASSIVE brick wall I have been scaling for quite some time and I am finally feeling that I can almost see over the top which is just incredible!

Spindrift has been growing super quickly and I honestly have been struggling to keep up with the demand! So, I have needed to start looking to outsource some of the production of my jewellery in order that my business can continue to grow.

My core values are built on the desire to create everything ethically and sustainably, respecting our beautiful planet and its people. It has taken me months and been a labour of love, researching, reading, googling and chatting to people in the industry to have finally found somewhere that can produce my jewellery sustainably, ethically and made in 100% recycled sterling silver! In a week I am flying out to meet with them to see everything with my own eyes, before hopefully placing the ‘game changing order’ for Spindrift and finally get over that wall!

OC: EPIC books + podcasts that have blown the matrix of your mind?

NW: My reading swings between business inspiration and books about travel & adventure!

Something I read years ago which has stuck with me is, “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed.

A recent read, which I loved was, “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert.

I’m currently reading, “Journeys in the Wilderness,” by John Muir.

“Start with Why,” Simon Sinek.

{I am eagerly awaiting head hustler Pru from the OC to write a book – hint.. hint..)

OC: What’s your coffee religion and how do you worship?

NW: For me it’s all about TEA – especially peppermint! I have a beautiful turquoise tea pot with a beautiful matching mug that I just love, it’s a constant supply of different delicious flavours of Pukka tea’s for me all day!

It’s the quote that started everything for me, I have posted it so many times on my instagram feed! I am a great wanderer and I have come to realise that its ok to take the time to wander, its ok to let my ideas run wild!

OC: You get your very own misty, dream sequence in a movie of your life, where 3 people alive or dead come to you like the ghosts of the Christmas past, present, future – who makes the cut?

NW: My beautiful grandma, taking me to collect beach glass for the very first time when I was a little girl, then handing me my first proper sketch book with real cartridge paper at the age of 8 and making me realise at a very young age that anything is possible if you want it enough!

Cheryl Strayed – she is a great inspiration for bravely facing fear, taking a leap of faith and overcoming problems, her book,”Wild” has really stuck with me ever since I read it.

Samantha Wills – such an inspirational Australian business women, I love reading her interviews and listening to her talk about when she was in a similar stage of her business as I am now and how she hustled and built this incredible and successful brand, from the early days trading at the weekend markets to the giant global brand that it is now! I have learnt so much from her!